I’m a mother. I’m a management consultant. I’m a fashion photographer. I’m an illustrator. I’m a political activist. Hi, I’m Umbar.
Having grown up on a council estate in Lambeth, and being the daughter of Pakistani / Afghani immigrants, I’m very fortunate to have had parents who instilled in me a social conscience, a fantastic work ethic, and great values. I was taught to rise above my circumstances, the racism, the sexism, and the snobbery – and so I dreamed big, worked hard, and continue to this day to learn on my journey!
After graduating from Imperial College, I worked for Unilever, start-up tech companies, PwC, IBM, PA Consulting, Moorhouse, and presently Gate One. I joined Gate One because I relish a good challenge: the thrill of the journey to solve a good puzzle; the buzz you get when helping a client have a ‘light-bulb’ moment; or the excitement of turning ideas into reality.
I love to combine many of my passions with my professional specialisms: digital / omni-channel strategy and implementation, business modelling in public sector, and international development strategies.
Outside of work, I’m a freelance digital artist/photographer and have been published in major international fashion magazines including Elle and Asiana. I also designs ‘skins’ for 3D virtual reality gaming via Second Life…which makes me a bit of a geek, but my colleagues think I’m a pretty cool one!
Most importantly though, I’m mama to a wonderful 9 year old daughter. We mutually drive each other forward, and to strive to be the best people we can be.